What the numbers say
About 1,990 Marketing Managers work in the Cincinnati metro, a figure that puts the role firmly in the mid-size market tier for this occupation. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $139,920, roughly 5% above the Ohio median of $132,660. That gap is modest but consistent with Cincinnati's concentration of consumer goods and financial services companies, which tend to pay marketing talent at or above the state average.
The national picture runs the other direction. The US median for Marketing Managers was $154,215 in 2024, about $14,000 above Cincinnati's figure. Some of that gap reflects the heavier weighting of high-cost coastal markets in the national number, though the difference is real and worth noting if you are comparing Cincinnati offers to remote-first roles benchmarked nationally.
The spread within the metro tells the more interesting story. Bottom earners at the 10th percentile made $76,870, while those at the 90th pulled in $232,000. Top earners in Cincinnati make about three times what those just entering the field do. That kind of range shows up when the same job title covers both a brand coordinator role at a regional retailer and a senior marketing director at a national company headquartered downtown. The mean of $151,540 sits well above the median of $139,920, which confirms that a smaller group of high earners in the metro pulls the average up.
For a market Cincinnati's size, this data suggests a reasonably active local market with meaningful variation depending on the employer and level of seniority.
Salary distribution
Where Cincinnati marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $105,280 and $202,190, with a median of $145,770.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- 02
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- 03
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- 04
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- 05
Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- 06
Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- 07
Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- 08
Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Marketing Managers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in Ohio
How the Cincinnati metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for marketing managers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in Cincinnati, Ohio?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in the Cincinnati metropolitan area is $145,770.
- Does Cincinnati pay more than the Ohio state average for Marketing Managers?
- The Cincinnati metro median is +10.2% versus the Ohio state median of $132,330.
- How does Cincinnati compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Cincinnati metro median is -10.8% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Cincinnati?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,070 and the 90th-percentile at $263,930 for the Cincinnati metro area.
- What education is required for Marketing Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Cincinnati CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.